SWIG Finance is looking for a new Chair and NED

SWIG is a not for profit Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), and as a charter member of Responsible Finance (trade body) aspires to support inclusive, sustainable economic growth. For almost 30 years SWIG has provided loan finance to micro, small and medium sized businesses throughout the south west of England, many of whom cannot access funding from the large commercial banks. SWIG operates from offices in Truro, Exeter and Bristol with fund managers based throughout the region.  

 SWIG Finance is the main delivery arm of the SWIG Group, and manages a number of loan funds on behalf of organizations such as the British Business Bank, Finance South East and the Start-up Loans company. In recent years, SWIG has grown lending from its own balance sheet. SWIG Finance is regulated by the FCA.

SWIG Group’s holding company board is a convening space for a number of the region’s stakeholders – County Councils, LEPs, Chambers of Commerce etc. – and facilitates broad support for the work of SWIG Finance.

SWIG Finance is now looking to appoint a new Non Executive Chair to succeed the current chair who will step down from the role at the end of March 2021. It is also looking to appoint an additional NED to the board of SWIG Finance. In joining SWIG Finance at an exciting and challenging time, with ambition to grow scale and impact, these positions offer the successful individuals the chance to play a leading role in supporting the growth and transformation of SMEs throughout the South West.

We are looking for the following attributes in prospective candidates:

·       The new chair should have experience and appetite to take the business through a process of change and growth.

·       For both roles, experience and/or understanding of business lending, responsible finance, accessing new sources of lending capital, the changing financial landscape (e.g. Fintech) and financial accounting are highly desirable.

·       Ideally, the new NED should have the ability to lead from the board on identifying and securing new sources of lending capital.

·       An ability to attend board meetings (at least 6 per year) in the region (once post COVID conditions permit face-to-face meetings) and to participate in at least one of the four Board committees.

In line with attributes associated with all high performing boards, candidates should be team players, comfortable with business strategy, scrutiny and holding the executive to account, and able to offer a balance of support and stretch. The new chair will be expected to keep regular contact with the senior management team and key stakeholders.

Both positions are remunerated, and reasonable expenses are paid.

Find out more about SWIG Finance at www.swigfinance.co.uk

Please send a CV and covering letter to davidbullen@swigfinance.co.uk or by post to David Bullen, SWIG Finance Ltd, Lowena House, Glenthorne Court, Truro Business Park, Threemilestone, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9NY by close of business on Friday, 30 October 2020 and making it clear whether you are applying for the role of the new Chair or Non-Executive Director or both.